- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

[slightlyoffchilt]

"Hello.

You've reached the direct line of Doctor Frederick Chilton. As I am not available at the moment, you might assume I'm quite busy with something pressing. State your name and business, and I will return your call."

Comments

[slightlyoffchilt]

My "weird people issues"?

[mantlepieces]

Yeah, y'know -- like all these guys you keep warning me against that I guess all got some kinda beef with you.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Please don't use the word "beef" when referring to any conflict with Hannibal Lecter.

[mantlepieces]

Why not? Don't tell me this dude is like your ex or something.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Excuse me? What on earth would ever give you that idea? What in my behavior would indicate such a conclusion?

[mantlepieces]

You mean with him or just in general?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Specifically with him.

-- But also in general.

[mantlepieces]

'Cause you're bein' all defensive and you won't say why. And 'cause you're, like-- [ A pause. ] Well, I can't answer that or you might fire me.

[slightlyoffchilt]

And because I am, like -- what, exactly?

[mantlepieces]

Well, like-- real freakin' prissy, for one thing.

[slightlyoffchilt]

You're fired. [A beat.] Only kidding -- you're not fired. But I disagree with your assertion regardless.

[mantlepieces]

[ Reggie's pulse races for a moment -- at least until Chilton continues. Way to scare him for a second... ]

You mean you don't act gay, or that you're not gay?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I have a girlfriend. I am in a relationship with my girlfriend. You have met her.

[mantlepieces]

Then what is the deal with this guy? Or any of these people? Seems pretty personal the way you talk about it.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I have made the acquaintance of a few dangerous minds. Do you need details beyond that?

[mantlepieces]

Details help if I'm supposed to be avoidin' them. But you know what, you're right -- guess I'll just improvise.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A beat. Frankly -- and perhaps, disturbingly -- Reggie had a point.]

Hannibal Lecter. He is a cannibal.

[mantlepieces]

[ ... Well then. Yes, that is a good thing to know; Reggie doesn't necessarily have experience with literal cannibals, but close enough to make him even less eager than an average person with an average background.

It's a moment before he says anything, and his voice is transparently hesitant. ]

And... what about those other people? Will Graham, Walter White? They're not cannibals too, are they?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Walter White isn't, no.

[And Will... Only by technicality. The same technicality that rendered Chilton one, before he had his kidney forcibly removed. And -- unbeknownst to him -- even after.]

But that hardly suggests that White is any less dangerous.

[mantlepieces]

You must got some kinda talent for pissin' the wrong people off.

[ Though Reggie is not one to talk, really. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

My relationships are admittedly complicated. But I would not suggest that I am the instigator in these situations.

[Even if he often is.]

I'll see you in here, Reggie.

[mantlepieces]

Just always somehow in the wrong place at the wrong time?

[ Here Reggie was halfway hoping Chilton might have forgotten about that part already -- no such luck with that easy out. He exhales slowly. ]

I'm on my way.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Try to watch your mouth, when you make your way here. I hope that isn't asking too much.

[mantlepieces]

Whatever that means -- yeah, I think I'll be fine.

[ It'll be about fifteen more minutes, but Reggie will show up rather than ditching the "appointment" -- that probably would seem more telling than not, Reggie doesn't think it'd be worth it. So, after standing outside Chilton's office door for several long moments still trying not to talk himself out of it, he knocks. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

Reggie.

[Chilton was quick to open the door, having long expected his intern.]

Please, come in. Take a seat.